Rich Rudin
Founder & Director of Maplewood Music Studio, Rich Rudin received his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in theory and composition from Temple University. His other major area of study was piano - focusing on classical music. Rich has performed regularly throughout the Delaware Valley, playing in a wide variety of styles: classical, jazz, pop, folk, rock, etc. and has composed hundreds of works in many different musical styles including music for orchestra, chamber ensembles, solo piano and scores for several local films. His CD “Compositions” features 13 original jazz compositions showing his many musical influences. Karl Stark of the Philadelphia Inquirer, in his 3 and a half star review, calls “Compositions” a “luminous recording”, “full of bravura moments”, showing “a masterly use of color”. Rich has been teaching piano, music theory & composition privately since 1970 and founded Maplewood Music Studio in 1980.
Ian Mayer
Ian is a guitar teacher at Maplewood's Chestnut Hill and Germantown locations. Having studied guitar since childhood with such esteemed guitarists as Jonathan Klales, Steve Giordano, and John Penn, Ian realized his own penchant for teaching and sharing his music early on. Excelling in classical and rock genres, Ian has performed many solo and ensemble both locally at venues such as World Cafe, Ardmore Music Hall, and Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia and various productions and festivals along the eastern seaboard. Ian is a gifted, personable teacher with over 15 years of teaching experience who connects organically not only with the music, but with students at all levels of learning.
Larry Cohen
Larry Cohen is a teacher as well as performing and recording artist, and provides outstanding tutelage in piano, electric and acoustic bass, guitar, improvisation, and music theory. He is additionally a composer, arranger, and sound consultant. Recognized internationally as a founding and touring member of the bluegrass band, Skyline, Larry has additionally accompanied many well-known musicians such as Bela Fleck, Alison Krauss, Mike Marshall, and Pete Seeger to name only a few. Encompassing an enormous variety of musical styles, his teaching approach is rich and multi-faceted. He is delighted and honored to be part of Maplewood's staff.
Paul Butler
Paul Butler is one of Maplewood's flute, clarinet, saxophone and piano teachers at the Chestnut Hill location. Also teaching piano and ensemble, Paul is a multi-talented instructor committed to sharing his passion for music with children and adult musicians of all ages. Also a gifted performer and improvisor, Paul's music can be heard in live performance and on numerous recordings, including collaboration with Grammy Award-winning cellist David Darling. In 1999, Paul and the Hot House Trio (with Eric Henry, Jim Smith) were selected Jazz Ambassadors to the Middle East by the U.S. State Department and the Department of Cultural Exchange. As Jazz Ambassadors, they performed and taught in Syria, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Morocco, and Tunisia. Paul holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree from Mansfield University and is a certified Music for People teacher, leading workshops in music improvisation for self-expression.
John "Jocko" MacNelly
Jocko MacNelly is Maplewood's primary jazz guitar, banjo and ukelele instructor. Also teaching classical guitar and electric bass, Jocko additionally excels as a composer, arranger and teacher. At any given moment, he is as likely to break into a calypso tune as to be writing a choral arrangement of an African soukous song. Though he considers the Blues and Soul Music to be his "base camp," he takes great joy in covering a range of styles: Jazz, R & B, calypso, reggae, Afro-Cuban, country, bluegrass, various styles from Brazil and Africa, Arab and Jewish music, along with European classical music from all periods. After fifteen years spent playing and teaching in the lively Richmond, VA music scene, he became part of the richly diverse cultural milieu of Minneapolis/St Paul. Along the way, he has recorded soundtracks, jingles and albums, as well as writing and arranging music in many genres. He has performed with such diverse talents as Billy Eckstine, Lou Donaldson, Phyllis Diller, Archie Bell, A House of Freaks, the Richmond (Va.) Symphony, Carter Beauford and Tim Reynolds. Since 1981, Jocko has been teaching in colleges and universities, both in the classroom and to instrumental students of bass and guitar. He now makes his home in Philadelphia.
Ralph Salerno
Ralph Salerno has been an accordion enthusiast since age 9. After high school, Ralph studied at the Neupauer Conservatory of Music in Philadelphia where he received a diploma in Music for Performance and Teaching on the Accordion. He has performed extensively in the tri-state area and has won several awards. He specializes in several ethnic styles of music, including Italian, French, Polish, Jewish and German, and particularly Piazzolla Tango. He teaches acoustic and midi accordion to beginner and advanced students. He is passionate about this versatile and capable instrument, and thrilled to promote the instrument at Maplewood Music Studio.
Bill Davis
William R Davis, Jr. teaches piano, flute, clarinet and sax at the Germantown location of Maplewood Music. Bill is a graduate of Phila., College Of Bible (now known as Phila Bible Univ.) were he earned Bachelor's Degree of Art in Bible and music. Upon graduation he went into teaching fine arts and music in private schools and later eventually in Philadelphia Public School District, where he continued to teach until he retired in 2011. Bill has taught and performed in both his areas of artistic interest, (i.e. visual and performing arts- music) at various schools, conservartories and summer camps in the Phila., and Camden , N.J. areas. He also is a member of long standing with The Zion Baptist Church musical ministries were he is currently directing and writing musical arrangements for the Youth Instrumental Ensemble.
Leon Jordan Jr.
Philadelphia native has performed with Earth Wind and Fire, Aretha Franklin, Micheal McDonald , DJ Jazzy Jeff , The Roots to name a few. Has toured with Grammy nominated Maysa Leak for 10 plus years, United Jazz Trumpet Summit all over the country with Trumpet legends Randy Brecker (Cheltenham Native) , Dave Douglas ( multi_Downbeat Jazz poll winner) , Dr. Eddie Henderson ( Herbie Hancock) , Nicolas Payton and many others. He teaches at Lumberton school of music, lectures at the kimmel center , judges at local high school jazz competitions and many others. Classically trained multi instrumentalist recieved a full scholarship to university of the arts in which recieved a bachelors and education minor degree. Multi Jazz Philadelphia at the clef club poll winner. Has recorded 7 solo records and has recorded on over a 100 releases.
David Middleton
David is a Grammy nominated guitarist with three decades of professional performance experience in big bands, jazz combos, and other mixed ensembles of various sizes and genres. David has studied and preformed with a diverse list of luminary area musicians such as Curtis Harmon Sr., Dr. George Allen, Steve Giordano, Khan Jamal, Robert Kenyatta, Pat Martino, Marshall Allen, and others. In the early 1990s he co-founded the ensemble JazGuardian with local drummer Kimpedro, then began working with Khan Jamal in the Philadelphia Jazz Composers' Forum for 5 years. Since 2000 he has been recording and touring internationally as a member of the Sun Ra Arkestra. David has taught music masterclasses internationally, and currently teaches improvisation at the renowned Curtis Institute of Music. As a teacher, he looks for how to accurately assess the individual needs of different students and evolve efficient methods of explaining many musical concepts and guitar techniques fundamental to the styles of folk, jazz, blues, rock, and world musics, to help nurture students' musical aspirations and abilities. He shares with students his attitude of self-motivated enthusiasm and joyful curiosity as well as his nearly a half century of love for, and commitment to, the art and craft of music.
Rachel Cama
Rachel Cama is career musician, scholar and educator who teaches private strings (violin, viola, cello). She has also taught within elementary general music programs as well as at several preschools––currently, she is the music teacher at Settlement Music’s renowned Kaleidoscope Arts Preschool. She is certified in First Steps, Suzuki and World Music Drumming; she also has several trainings in Orff-Schulwerk. Rachel holds graduate degrees in Early Music Performance and Musicology and maintains a performance career on cello, baroque strings and voice. She has also worked as a yoga instructor and possesses a deep knowledge of body mechanics in relation to music-making. Her interests in equitable music education, trauma-informed teaching and culturally relevant approaches have led her to teach non-traditional repertoire for string students. Rachel is known for her adaptability and has had immense success teaching neuro-diverse students as well has those with physical differences. She currently lives in Philadelphia with her two children––who are also burgeoning string players.
Cynthia Fleming
Cynthia has been a leading woodwind performer and teacher for decades. Her primary instruments are oboe and english horn, but she is adept at flute, piano, clarinet, sax and recorder. She has studied with the masters of the double reed and piano. Cynthia has preformed with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Israel Sinfonietta, Relache—the Ensemble for New Music, Concerto Soloists, and most of the areas orchestras and chamber groups.
For many years, Cynthia was the founder and primary instructor of her own music studio in Chestnut Hill, teaching students from the age of 5 to 75. She has also taught in the music department at Chestnut Hill College and Springside Academy. While her strengths as a teacher are foundational classical technique, she tailors each lesson to the interests of the student, happily working with them on more popular repertoire as well. Cynthia works to ensure her student leave with a deepened appreciation and love of music. The Chestnut Hill Local has called her an “Inspirational, gifted
musical performer and teacher.”
For many years, Cynthia was the founder and primary instructor of her own music studio in Chestnut Hill, teaching students from the age of 5 to 75. She has also taught in the music department at Chestnut Hill College and Springside Academy. While her strengths as a teacher are foundational classical technique, she tailors each lesson to the interests of the student, happily working with them on more popular repertoire as well. Cynthia works to ensure her student leave with a deepened appreciation and love of music. The Chestnut Hill Local has called her an “Inspirational, gifted
musical performer and teacher.”
Wanting Chen
Hi, I'm Wanting Chen, a passionate and professional piano teacher with many years of experience in playing and teaching piano. I specialize in both classical and jazz styles, and I can teach bilingual language as well.
I have a Bachelor's Degree in Piano Performance from Wuhan Conservatory of Music in China, and a Master's Degree in Jazz Piano from Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in the UK. I am skilled in teaching piano to students of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced learners. I tailor my teaching methods to suit each student’s needs and goals, and incorporates music theory and composition into my lessons.Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player, whether you want to play for fun or for exams or auditions, whether you prefer classical or jazz music, I can help you achieve your goals and enjoy playing the piano.
I have a Bachelor's Degree in Piano Performance from Wuhan Conservatory of Music in China, and a Master's Degree in Jazz Piano from Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in the UK. I am skilled in teaching piano to students of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced learners. I tailor my teaching methods to suit each student’s needs and goals, and incorporates music theory and composition into my lessons.Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player, whether you want to play for fun or for exams or auditions, whether you prefer classical or jazz music, I can help you achieve your goals and enjoy playing the piano.
Jerry Tanenbaum
Mr. Tanenbaum has a Bachelor's degree in Music Performance from Temple University. He has a wide range of performance experience, including but not limited to being the drummer in more than 40 musical shows (including the off-Broadway touring production of "Little Shop of Horrors"); blues/rock bands; jazz bands (both big bands and small group/from avant garde to traditional); R&B bands; Latin bands; and Orchestral work. He is a frequent jazz performer in the Philadelphia area and is currently the host and curator of the Monday Jazz Jam sessions at the Black Squirrel Club. He continues his R&B work, and new musicals he is performing in this year include "Crazy for You" for Villanova University and "Godspell" for St. Joseph's University. He is also the timpanist in the Philharmonic of Southern New Jersey.
Mr. Tanenbaum loves teaching both children and adults, and has experience teaching students with special needs. His students will obtain very strong fundamental technique, solid reading skills and the confidence to groove a band in whatever genre or style of music the student may encounter. All of his students increase their ability to play musically and from the heart
Mr. Tanenbaum loves teaching both children and adults, and has experience teaching students with special needs. His students will obtain very strong fundamental technique, solid reading skills and the confidence to groove a band in whatever genre or style of music the student may encounter. All of his students increase their ability to play musically and from the heart
Craig McIver
Craig McIver is a Classical and Jazz drummer, percussionist and composer. He has become proficient at Classical Percussion, Pedal Tympani, Xylophone, Marimba, Vibes, Chimes, Glockenspiel, Tambourine, Castanets, Gong, Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Piano, Conga, Bongos and Timbales. He has a balanced, progressive edge with a firm grounding in the traditions and techniques of Classical and Jazz, particularly Bebop. He is well known for his original compositions and collaborations with Odean Pope, Khan Jamal, and Bobby Zankel. Craig played tympani and vibes for one of the most influential jazz drummers in history, Max Roach. In addition, he had the honor of playing with Dizzy Gillespie, and for Aretha Franklin’s last performance in Philadelphia.
Julian Hartwell
Julian Hartwell is a pianist, composer, producer & educator based in Philadelphia, PA. Whether it be in his composing, producing or performing, his mission is fundamentally to #heal #uplift #remind & #inspire through Sound. Julian has spent the better part of two decades behind the piano, both as a solo performer and a bandleader with the Julian Hartwell Project, which saw the release of two original albums to notable acclaim and a 7-year stint performing in and around the tri-state area and beyond. Julian has brought his music to places as diverse as Berlin, Argentina, Prague, NYC, and Charleston, among others. Throw a global pandemic in the mix and he quickly had to land on his feet in 2020, growing into a new level of independent artistry by learning production and mixing full-on. His latest release in the Fall of 2023, the Kryptonite EP, showcases the extent of these new hats for Hartwell, including the revealing of his voice as a songwriter as well, and quite literally so. 2024 sees Julian finishing up a full-length meditation album collaboration w/ sound healer Evolve, further forays into home-production, and continually refining his craft both on and off the stage. His latest reinvention as a solo artist features a unique blend of his jazz roots, inspired instrumental excursions, and a fresh mix of original songs and covers that cast him as a dynamic performer and songwriter with heady compositional leanings.
Melinda Rice
Melinda Rice has over twenty years of experience teaching violin and viola, and is a musician whose interests range from classical to pop to folk to jazz musics. She has released two albums of original music, and has a few recent tracks out, including one on Strange Woman Records (Right Beneath the Moon). Melinda is certified in Suzuki Method, Creative Ability Development, Mark O’Connor Method, and Feierabend Method, and directs the string ensemble at Ursinus College. www.melinda-rice.com, www.youtube.com/@melindamyrrh
Ruth Kiang
Ruth Kiang is an active freelancer and educator as a violinist and pianist based in Philadelphia. She has performed on stages at the Walnut Street Theatre, World Cafe Live, People’s Light Theatre, and Media Theatre as well as with artists such as The Who, Harry Connick Jr., Chris Thile, and Rod Stewart. Ruth also frequently performs on electric violin with premier events companies Elegance String Quartet and Miss Musique String Quartet. Other ensembles she performs with include Kennett Symphony, Lancaster Symphony, Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra, and Delaware Symphony. She holds a master’s degree from Temple University and is on the faculty at Temple University Music Prep and the New Jersey School of Music. Her students have been accepted into the Philadelphia All City Orchestra, All City Orchestra Fellowship with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Temple Music Prep Chamber Players, PMAY Artists’ Initiative, and the All-South Jersey Orchestra.